A couple of local pilots have once again built an ice runway on the south shore of Gull Lake.
Lacombe Flying Club members Doug Francoeur and Jim Wigmore have been creating the runway on the lake for the past eight or nine years.
"We typically have to wait until the ice freezes about 15 to 18 inches thick to get the skid steers out there and bobcats and plow trucks," said Francoeur. "Then we make it about 3,000 feet long by 75 feet wide. It's open from January through until the ice starts to melt."
He notes the first year they built the runway it didn't see much use, but that has changed since then welcoming a variety of general aviation airplanes with private owners. Last winter there were over 60 airplanes and helicopters that landed on the lake.
Francoeur says the condition of the runway can vary from year to year.
"It really depends on how the ice freezes. It's got a couple of bumps down the length of the runway. In past years it's been really quite smooth so we probably could have gone further out from shore but then you end up getting into a further walk or further drive."
In terms of landing, Francoeur says he advises pilots not to get too aggressive on the brakes. He notes that they try to keep the ice quite rough to give it some texture, adding they leave snow on top which allows for better braking conditions.
In addition to the runway, the site will feature picnic tables, a fire pit, a skating rink and an outhouse.
The annual Family Day Fly-In will take place at the ice strip on Monday, Feb. 17 from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Everyone is invited to watch the planes come in and enjoy some hot dogs and coffee/hot chocolate.
**Photo gallery courtesy Jim Wigmore
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